Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kinlochleven
POP 900
Kinlochleven is hemmed in by high mountains at the head of beautiful Loch Leven, about
7 miles east of Glencoe village. The aluminium smelter that led to the town's development
in the early 20th century has long since closed, and the opening of the Ballachulish Bridge
in the 1970s allowed the main road to bypass it completely. Decline was halted by the
opening of the West Highland Way, which now brings a steady stream of hikers through
the village.
The final section of the
West Highland Way
stretches for 14 miles from Kinlochleven
to Fort William. The village is also the starting point for easier walks up the glen of the
River Leven, through pleasant woods to the
Grey Mare's Tail waterfall
, and harder
mountain hikes into the
Mamores
.
Activities
Ice Factor
(
01855-831100;
www.ice-factor.co.uk
; Leven Rd; 9am-10pm Tue & Thu, to 7pm
Mon, Wed & Fri-Sun; )
If you fancy trying your hand at ice-climbing, even in the
middle of summer, head for the Ice Factor, the world's biggest indoor ice-climbing wall; a
one-hour beginner's 'taster' session costs £30. There's also a rock-climbing wall, sauna
and steam room, and a cafe and bar-bistro.
CLIMBING
Sleeping & Eating
Blackwater Hostel£
(
01855-831253;
www.blackwaterhostel.co.uk
;
Lab Rd; sites per person £7, dm/tw £15/
35)
This 40-bed hostel has spotless dorms with en suite bathrooms and TV, and a level,
well-sheltered camping ground.
HOSTEL, CAMPSITE
RESTAURANT
Lochleven Seafood Cafe££
(
01855-821048;
www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk
; mains £10-22; noon-9pm Wed-
Sun)
This outstanding place serves superb shellfish freshly plucked live from tanks -
oysters on the half shell, razor clams, scallops, lobster and crab - plus a daily fish special
